Real Salt Lake: Morales back to 2008 form in season opener

SALT LAKE CITY — Javier Morales burst on the MLS scene in 2008. The midfielder from Argentina was an MVP candidate as he scored eight goals and had a franchise record 15 assists for Real Salt Lake.

While 2009 was a historic season for RSL as they finally showed their full potential with a playoff run that ended with a championship. And individually Morales was named to the MLS All-Star game. Realistically, however, it was a down year for the playmaker as he tallied only one goal and five assists for the regular season. If Morales' play during Real's season-opening 3-0 win over San Jose is any indicator, expect a return to the 2008 form of scintillating play.

"He is a player that I think he feels he has something to prove," said RSL coach Jason Kreis. "Even coming off a championship season, I think that honestly, he would be the first to stand up and say it wasn't a great season for him — individually. Great to be part of a championship team, but I think he feels like he could have done a lot more. It is a real nice problem for us to have in a confident group and a Javier Morales that I think is looking to prove something this year."

Morales suffered through a long list of injuries last season ranging from a sprained knee to a bruised calf, but his two goals and pinpoint passing showed that he is back in top form.

"Coming off of last year's knee injury I feel good now to play a full 90 minutes," said Morales through a Spanish translator. "It's a bit tough for me getting used to playing at a fast pace once again, and I felt a bit tired at the end of the match. I am happy about tonight's result and with the support of the team, and hopefully we can carry this on to our next game."

Morales and the rest of Real get back in action Thursday when they travel to play the Houston Dynamo.

INJURY UPDATES: Real's two center backs both suffered injuries in the second half of their win. Jamison Olave, who suffered a twisted knee, is listed as "knee injury — internal" and is day-to-day. Nat Borchers suffered a laceration to his forehead that required three stitches after the contest. He is expected to be fine for the team's game against Houston on Thursday.